
he invite his friends to do? What application did Jesus make of this par-
able? Verses 5-7.
NOTE.—"The sheep that has strayed from the fold is the most helpless of
all creatures. It must be sought for by the shepherd, for it cannot find its
way back. So with the soul that has wandered away from God; he is as
helpless as the lost sheep, and unless divine love had come to his rescue, he
could never find his way to God."—Id., p. 187.
"Thank God, He has presented to our imagination no picture of a sorrow-
ful shepherd returning without the sheep. The parable does not speak of
failure, but of success, and joy in the recovery. Here is the divine guarantee
that not even one of the straying sheep of God's fold is overlooked, not one
is left unsuccored. Every one that will submit to be ransomed, Christ will
rescue from the pit of corruption, and from the briers of sin."—Id., p. 188.
The Lost Coin
4.
What further parable was given which reveals the intensity of search
for the lost? Verse 8.
NOTE.—Commentators tell us that the houses in the Orient were dark,
often without windows. Floors were not frequently swept, as they were
covered with rushes, and dust was plentiful. To find a coin on the floor re-
quired thorough sweeping by candle light.
"The two parables represent different classes. The lost sheep knows that
it is lost. It has left the shepherd and the flock, and it cannot recover itself.
It represents those who realize that they are separated from God, and who
are in a cloud of perplexity, in humiliation, and sorely tempted. The lost
coin represents those who are lost in trespasses and sins, but who have no
sense of their condition. They are estranged from God, but they know it not.
Their souls are in peril, but they are unconscious and unconcerned. . . .
"This parable has a lesson to families. In the household there is often
great carelessness concerning the souls of its members. Among, their number
may be one who is estranged from God; but how little anxiety is felt lest, in
the family relationship, there be lost one of God's entrusted gifts. The coin,
though lying among dust and rubbish, is a piece of silver still. Its owner
seeks it because it is of value. So every soul, however degraded by sin, is in
God's sight accounted precious."—Id., pp. 193, 194.
5.
Who rejoices when efforts for the lost are successful? Verses 9, 10.
Different Characters in the Story of the Prodigal
6.
In the story of human experience which Jesus next related, who are
represented by the different characters—the father, the younger son, the
elder brother? Verses 11-32.
NorE.—"In the parable of the prodigal son is presented the Lord's dealing
with those who have once known the Father's love, but who have allowed
the tempter to lead them captive at his will."—Id., p. 198.
"By the elder son were represented the unrepenting Jews of Christ's day,
and also the Pharisees in every age, who look with contempt upon those
whom they regard as publicans and sinners. Because they themselves have
not gone to great excesses in vice, they are filled with self-righteousness."---
Id.,
p. 209.
"In the parable the father's remonstrance with the elder son was Heaven's
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